Fashion Focus 2010 ~ Chicago Fashion Week

Last week was Fashion Week in Chicago, known to us Chicagoans as Fashion Focus. It was such a fun and really busy week of fantastic shows and events. I chose to attend three shows and really enjoyed all of them. It was great to see established Chicago fashion designers, up and coming Chicago designers, and student designers who were really creative this year, even using potato sacks and plastic bags in their designs.

Fashion Focus 2010

Life of Two Fairies ~ Borris Powell

The first fashion show that I attended last week was at the magnificent Drake Hotel. I loved the intimate setting of the show and the beautiful decorations. You really felt like your were in a tranquil place, a land of fairies.

Life of Two Fairies Fashon Show at the Drake Hotel.

Borris Powell, a self-taught designer brings his designs to Chicago which features his Spring 2011 collection of bright, flowing and flirty day and evening dresses, with a gorgeous collection of coats and swimwear.

Borris Powell ~ The self-taught designer before the show.

My favorite dress from the 2011 Spring Collection.

I love this stunning black swimsuit and black and white wrap.

If you are interested in learning more about Borris Powell and his collection click here, you can also purchase his line at Studio 808.

Dress Code ~ Off the Grid

On Thursday night I attended Dress Code at Millenium Park. This fashion show is one of the most exciting of the year featuring the students from four different schools in Chicago; School of the Art Institute of Chicago , Columbia College Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago  and The International Academy of Design and Technology.

Inside the tent for Fashion Focus at Millennium Park.

The show was title Dress Code ~ Off the Grid to let student be their most creative and bring those looks to the runway. The designers took advantage of this with interesting hats, potato sack pants, and even plastic bag skirts. It was interesting to see the students think outside the box while using a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and of course experimental looks.

Take a look to see what look caught my eye. Alexandre Chandoa from The International Academy of Design and Technology was my favorite of the night.

Katie King ~ School of Art Institute of Chicago

Tailia Elinoff ~ School of The Art Institute of Chicago

Christina Yi ~ Columbia College Chicago

Maureen Sullivan ~ Columbia College Chicago

Claudia Macias ~ The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago

Audra E. Kaske ~ The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago

Toni Pescatorre ~ The International Academy of Design and Technology

Toni Pescatorre ~ The International Academy of Design and Technology

Toni Pescatorre ~ The International Academy of Design and Technology

Alexandre Chandoa ~ The International Academy of Design and Technology

Alexandre Chandoa ~ The International Academy of Design and Technology

Take a peek a this video of the show…

The Art of Fashion ~ Present by StyleChicago.com

Friday was the final show and one of the most anticipated shows of the year. This year I decided to take my girlfriends along to join me. It was such a fun evening, my friends really enjoyed the VIP cocktail hour, great seats, and a fantastic fashion show!

This show features Chicago established and newest designers. There were so many fabulous designers showcased this year but here are my picks from the evening.

Lara Miller

Lara Miller

Lara Miller

Lara Miller is inspired by the environment with lots of knits and great prints.

Shop Lara Miller

Kirk James Collection

Kirk James Collection

Kirk James Collection

Kirk James Collection was modern chic but still very elegant and classy. One of my favorites of the evening.

Shop Kirk James Collection

Paul Sisti

Paul Sisti

Paul Sisti

Paul Sisti

Paul Sisti keeps his collection wearable for all modern women but uses an artistic flare to each piece.

Shop Paul Sisti

Lauren Lein

Lauren Lein

Lauren Lein

Lauren Lein

Lauren Lein’s design inspiration is exotic using textured fabrics, feathers, beading, and fur trims creating gorgeous gowns and dress.

Shop Lauren Lein

Elda de la Rosa

Elda de la Rosa

Elda de la Rosa is inspired by French couture of the 1950. Very beautiful, very elegant, created for every women.

Shop Elda de la Rosa

Hector- Javier MonArrez

Hector- Javier MonArrez

Emerging designer Hector- Javier MonArrez created very modern looks but made them fun by using bright colors like this bright beautiful blue.

So, that was Fashion Focus 2010! I hope you enjoyed my review on the shows. A big thank you to everyone who helped me during fashion week. I really appreciate your support.

Please leave your questions or comments below.

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